The Lazy Horse Diet

We all get lazy at times, and horses are no exception.  However, having to deal with a lazy horse can be a bit frustrating, and difficult.  In order to get a better handle on the situation, try thinking about it from the animal's perspective.  When you feel lazy, there usually specific reasons; boredom, lack of interest, and even lack of motivation all contribute to feelings of indolence.  The same holds true for your horse.  In the vast majority of cases, lazy horses have just lost interest and have become unmotivated.  The key to remedying the problem is to find out why.

Getting To The Reasons Behind Your Horse's Laziness

There is always a cause for a feeling of disinterest of sluggishness.  You know from your own personal experience, that the key to snapping yourself out of laziness is to find something that once again excites and interest you; something that will get you up and moving, and feeling energetic.  This is precisely what needs to be done with your equine counterpart.

You first need to begin the process by determining the personality of your horse.  Just as with people, horses can vary a great deal in temperament and character.  Is he or she an introvert, extrovert, a bit shy?  As with humans, even the laziest horse can become extremely motivated when you figure out what makes him or her tick, and what he or she loves the most.

Now, you may be reading this and asking yourself, "do I really need to work this hard to figure out my horse?"  The simple answer is, YES!  You are the only one that can develop a healthy and nurturing relationship with your horse.  Once you have done this, you can gradually introduce behavioral changes that will keep your horse interested, motivated, and healthy.

Understanding The Importance of Diet

Sometimes diet can be a major factor in the motivation level of your horse.  If the lack of enthusiasm has stemmed from weight gain, you should work to modify his or her diet to encourage weight loss.  You would be surprised how many horses regain a positive attitude and ambition just by shedding a few extra pounds. 

If your horse is not overweight, you should still examine his or her diet to ensure a balanced diet is being consumed.  You may also want to consider the following tips to help increase overall energy:

• Make sure the feed your horse is eating is the proper amount, and formulated to meet the energy needs for the level of work the horse performs.  If you overfeed or underfeed you will cause the horse to have adverse reactions, leading to lethargy as well as possible deficiencies in nutrients for overall health, performance, and muscle function.
• Consider switching to an oat or barley based feed.  These types of starch provide a quick burst of energy that can push the horse over that "lazy hump".
• Make sure your horse is not dehydrated, and that necessary levels of water and salt are replenished after a strenuous workout.  An electrolyte solution and adequate amounts of fresh clean water can be extremely beneficial to energy levels.
• Consider the use of compound feeds.  This type of feed must be rationed, but it offers a complete balanced equine diet.  Many of these compound feeds are specially formulated to meet specific dietary needs and consist of common ingredients such as oats, barley, molasses, chaff, oils, and sugar beets.  In some cases, adding a ration of this type of feed to a regular diet can help to increase energy levels substantially.  Use care when doing so, as too much can cause a dietary imbalance.
• When all else fails, consult with a professional.  An equine dietician or veterinarian can evaluate your animal and make specific recommendations.

Be Patient

It is extremely important that you are patient with your horse and take your time when experimenting with a new diet.  Changes need to be implemented slowly, and progress will come gradually with time.  Refrain from forcing the horse to do things he or she does not want to do, and avoid physical pressures such as whips, spurs, or kicking.  This can make a lazy horse even lazier, and can lead to many more behavioral problems down the road.

Instead, become a friend to your horse, and teach him or her to understand that you are a person who can be trusted and depended upon.  When you notice your horse beginning to come out of his or her "funk", reward good behavior with small treats.  The horse will begin to understand that being more energetic has benefits, and with time you will both flourish.

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